Ravalier PhD Theis.pdf - Anglia Ruskin Research Online

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primary techniques are proactive in that they seek to remove or alter the organisational system which is causing
the stress. Research on the impact of primary techniques are scant in number when compared to secondary and
tertiary approaches (Ongori & Agolla, 2008), although there is increasing agreement that the utilisation of primary
methods provide the longest-lasting and more effective change outcomes. The presented study therefore took a
primary management approach, looking at areas of the workplace through a soft systems approach which can be
altered and improved upon in order to ameliorate stress before it becomes an outcome in employees.
Lastly in order to successfully implement any change initiative it is important to understand the type of
organisation the researcher is working with in order to ensure that certain factors are taken into account
throughout the change process. Charles Handy’s typology of organisational types and culture provides the
researcher with a useful understanding as to what works best within particular organisations, as well as some of
the barriers which may be inherent within the different types of organisation. Similarly, whether or not an
organisation is a learning organisation can have a huge impact on the way that organisational change is
implemented. Organisations that operate in such a way are constantly learning the experience of its employees,
management, external contractors, consumers etc and so they are continually seeking to improve themselves.
Therefore, for example, implementing a developmental change process within these organisations may encounter
less resistance to change.
It is clear from the conceptual framework within Figure 6 and accompanying descriptions that the presented
research emphasises two areas. First of all an understanding of organisational stress is important in order to study
the area. Similarly, in order to undertake an organisational change initiative which is based on employee health
and wellbeing an understanding of the change process as well as the type of organisation the research is to be